Answer: Here is what the Texas law says about where a driver cannot park: A driver can't temporarily park within 20 feet of a driveway entrance. You also can't on the roadway side of a vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street. On a sidewalk.

In Texas, illegal parking is governed by both state statutes under the Texas Transportation Code and specific local municipal ordinances. Generally, it is illegal to stop, stand, or park a vehicle in several high-risk areas: within an intersection, on a crosswalk, or in front of a public or private driveway. Furthermore, you cannot park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, or within 30 feet of any flashing signal, stop sign, or traffic-control signal. Parking in a designated disabled space without a valid permit is a significant offense with heavy fines. In 2026, many Texas cities have also implemented stricter rules regarding parking "left to curb" (facing against traffic), which is illegal on two-way streets. Additionally, parking on a sidewalk or on the "main traveled part" of a highway outside of a business or residential district is prohibited. Local "tow-away" zones are strictly enforced, especially in high-traffic areas like Austin or Houston, where blocking a bicycle lane or an emergency vehicle access point will result in immediate impoundment and fines.